India Pulls Off Thrilling Victory in Last Test as Mohammed Siraj Shines Bright

In one of the most heart-stopping cricket encounters in recent memory India achieved a nail-biting victory over England in the fifth Test match at The Oval. The win not just enabled India to tie the five-match series 2-2 but also enabled them to hold on to the coveted Anderson Tendulkar Trophy. The contest had supporters on the edge of their seats until the very end and it was India's fast bowler Mohammed Siraj who proved to be the day's hero with a five-wicket haul that won the match. His timely breaks on the fourth day sealed a historic victory for the visitors who were otherwise under the weather in the match.

The last day of the Test commenced with England requiring only 35 runs for victory with three wickets remaining. It appeared like a piece of cake for the home side but Mohammed Siraj had some different ideas. With huge control and aggression Siraj bowled his heart out claiming three of the remaining English wickets. He concluded with a five-wicket return in the game including those three crucial wickets on Day 5 which turned the tide in favor of India. His performances were ably complemented by his fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna who picked up four wickets and aided India's turnaround significantly.

India earlier in the match had scored a total of 224 runs in their first innings. England retaliated fiercely with 247 runs that gave them a narrow lead. But the second innings is where the Indian team displayed true character. They battled to a total of 396 runs leaving England with a target of 374. It appeared at one stage that England were coasting to victory as their batting lineup spearheaded by centurions Joe Root and Harry Brook kept proceedings steady. Both batters had looked in great touch and their centuries gave England a solid platform. But the Indian bowlers did not give up. A fiery spell from Siraj late on Day 4 saw both Root and Brook fall in quick succession. England went from a position of strength to suddenly being under pressure as they lost three wickets for just 36 runs.

The pressure continued through Day 5 as England needed just a few runs. But Siraj's pace and accuracy were too much for the lower-order batsmen. He continued bowling in the right spots and was rewarded with wickets at the right time. Prasidh Krishna also contributed a timely wicket ensuring there was no resurgence from the hosts. Finally England were bowled out for 367, six runs short of the target. The Indian team was in raptures as they orchestrated a historic victory at The Oval one which would be remembered for generations to come.

Shubman Gill who captained the Indian team in this game should be given credit for his composed captaincy and intelligent field placements. His on-field leadership was also tested during the game particularly when England was well placed. But his faith in the bowlers and his choice of continuing to attack came through. Holding on to the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy was no mean feat particularly after being put on the back foot midway during the game.

The fifth Test match had it all a cricket enthusiast would have wished for. It was full of emotions comebacks brilliant performances and moments of brilliance from both sides. From Joe Root and Harry Brook's centuries to Siraj and Krishna's memories that would be etched in the minds of all the fans forever the match was a display of high-quality Test cricket. India's fielders also supported the bowlers with some sharp catches and good ground fielding ensuring that the pressure was always kept on England.

The Anderson Tendulkar Trophy is now in India's possession courtesy of this courageous performance. Having been under pressure for much of the series the Indian side demonstrated grit and determination to conclude the tour on a positive note. Mohammed Siraj's performance in the game will be remembered as one of the greatest for him and one of the best for an Indian fast bowler in English conditions. His five-wicket performance on the last day was the game-defining moment and his roar upon taking the last wicket encapsulated the passion and pride in which India had played.

With this victory the series is tied 2-2 but momentum now belongs to India as they can look forward to tougher challenges later. Such a thrilling win will definitely boost the team in the times to come.

The fifth Test at The Oval will be recollected not only for the narrow margin of victory but also for the manner in which it was contested. Test cricket reaffirmed once again why it remains the most exciting version of the game. And for Indian supporters this triumph was nothing less than a miracle orchestrated by the never-say-die spirit of Mohammed Siraj and his colleagues.